Exploring Greek Islands:
Crete & Santorini
Wandering down narrow, cobbled streets, serenaded by the tinkle of copper bells around the necks of the sheep and goats grazing nearby, delighted by the light clip-clop of donkey hooves completing the day's deliveries. As you explore hillsides and villages, reveling in the plaintive voice of a farmer walking through town, hawking his wares in hopes of a sale. The quality of the light will startle and delight you--so bright and amazingly clear. This, and the hypnotic turquoise blue of the Mediterranean make Greece a photographer's paradise. This trip is created for travelers who are seeking an experience that is vital, physically and intellectually stimulating, and educational.
The Greek islands provide a stunning backdrop for the extensive archeological sites in evidence on both the dynamically different islands of Crete and Santorini. The itinerary also includes some soft trekking each day, as well as visits to museums, seminars on history, mythology, poetry, art and architecture, and a little hedonism.
Two nights in Athens at the Beginning of the trip, will provide time to see the treasures of the famed Archeological museum, the new Acropolis museum, and the Acropolis of Athena.
On Crete we'll feast on the treasures of the Minoan palaces at Greece's second largest museum and conjure up images of ancient life at the ruins of the Minoan palace of Knossos. We'll also enjoy Crete's splendid natural wonders when we make an optional 11 mile hike through the magnificent Samaria gorge and frolic in Greece's clearest and warmest waters. We will visit a nearly perfect Venetian fortress of Rythymon, and amble through Crete's oldest and largest market in Chania.
Visits to the small but excellent museum in the capitol city will complement our stay. We will begin our exploration of Hellenistic mythology, and discuss the civilization that inspired it, while sampling the crisp and vibrant local wines at sunset.
ITINERARY, May 2-14, 2023
Most flights from the USA will depart Wed. May 15.
Thur. May 16: Athens. Arrive in Athens and transfer to our hotel. Six PM meet in the lobby for happy hour, introductions and and a capsule history of Greece. Optional group dinner in the Plaka area.
Fri, May 17 : Athens Morning walk through the historic Plaka to the Acropolis of Athena, for a guided tour with our lively local guide, followed by a visit to the Parthenon. Our next stop is at the new and celebrated Acropolis museum, located below the Acropolis. After lunch in front of the Archeological Museum, we tour the treasures of Greece with our guide. Evening dinner spent in the historic and lively Plaka area, beneath the moonlit Acropolis of Athena.
Sat. May 18: Chania In the morning, there may be time to visit some other wonderful museums and sites, before we transfer back to the Athens airport for a one hour flight to Crete, the largest island in Greece. Private couch to our hotel, located in the old, characteristic Venetian quarter, and check in. Later, meet for our first seminar on Crete’s passionate history & talk on Greek language and customs, followed by dinner at a local favorite taverna, with live music.
Sun. May 19: Chania Orientation meeting on the history of Chania, followed by guided walking tour through the historic back streets of the old town, Minoan excavations, Venetian shipyards, and the recently renovated Synagogue. Afternoon free to relax and explore Chania, or visit the beach. Late afternoon our talks on Greek mythology begin, today focusing on Zeus, born on the highest mountain in Crete. Evening optional traditional Meze-tasting (like Tapas) and local barrel wine tasting.
Mon. May 20: Chania Early morning departure past monasteries and old traditional villages, orange groves and pine forests, by bus to the shepherds’ village of Omolos and our 11 mile down-hill hike through the magnificent Samaria Gorge. You’ll see a variety of scenery and perhaps the area’s famous mountain goats (krikri) before arriving at the fishing village of Aghia Roumeli and a welcome lunch. Back to Chania by motor coach, arriving early evening. We will have another excursion for those who opt out of the trek. Otherwise many choices to explore Chania— the bustling market, the beaches on the island are among the best in Greece, and people-watching in harbor cafes a must.
Tues. May 21: Chania Morning free to relax and enjoy Chania. Mid-day we travel to Ntounias, the famed farm-to-table restaurant in the mountains, 20 miles from Chania, for a memorable lunch. Late afternoon Happy Hour gathering, with second language session and mythology, focusing on on the hero Theseus and his relationship to the Palace of Minos at Knossos. Farewell to Chania party and dancing at our favorite local taverna.
Wed. May 22: Iraklion Check out after breakfast and depart for Iraklion in our private bus. We stop on the way at the historic town of Rythmnon, and walk to the Venetian Fortress that crowns the city, and time permitting– take in the small but well executed archeological museum. Arrive in Iraklion and check into our hotel, located in the in the town center near the harbor. Late afternoon seminar on the sophisticated Minoan society that created the Palace of Minos at Knossos, and highlights at the local museum, the second best in Greece. Final language review. Dinner on your own.
Thur. May 23: Iraklion Morning departure by public bus (avoiding the crowds) to the famed excavations of the Palace of Minos at Knossos. Return to Iraklion for a visit to the museum, located next to our hotel. Late afternoon talk on the goddess Artemis, and the “Language of the goddess,” symbolism in Greek ceramics.
Fri. May 24: Thira Taxi to the Harbor to transfer by fast boat to Thira, where we are met by bus, and transferred to our boutique hotel, on the western tip of the island. We’ll meet by the pool for an orientation to the history of Santorini followed by a walking tour of the village to acquaint you with local conveniences. In the late afternoon we’ll meet again for a seminar on Art and Religion in Akrotiri, and a happy hour wine tasting of Santorini’s well-regarded white varietals, as well as some local cheeses.
Sat. May 25 Thira. Morning departure for an island tour to the Minoan excavation site at Akrotiri, a village evacuated in the massive earthquake that destroyed half the island in 1420 BC, then onward to Thira town for lunch and a visit to the archeological museum where the treasures of Akrotiri are housed. Happy hour gathering to enjoy the sunset and a seminar on Dionysus, and the cult of ecstasy.
Sun. May 26: Thira. Morning taxi down to Amoudi port for a very special private cruise to trek the volcanic islands and hot springs with an opportunity to sample the mud baths, famous for soothing the skin. This is a popular and unique excursion, not to be missed. Lunch on return in the colorful harbor.
Mon. May 27: Thira Public bus to the neighboring village of Oia, for a walking tour and lunch. Free time to explore and photograph this highly photogenic village, used for many fashion shoots and advertising. Afternoon seminar on Greek Women Poets, beginning with Sappho. Farewell to Santorini party at a favorite taverna.
Tues. May 28: Transit Taxi to the airport on the first flight out to make connections for your return flight home, or stay on and explore more of Greece.
Hotels:
Trip members may opt out of any activities, however there will be no refunds for missed activities, and anyone who leaves the tour at any time, for any reason, is on their own..
Trip Price Included:
Inter-island flights Athens/Chania/Santorini/Athens.
Transportation to accommodations from all points of entry and return.
Accommodations in all locations mentioned.
Breakfast each day in Athens, Iraklion and Chania. Farewell feast in Santorini.
Tours to Ancient Thira, Thira town & museums, the caldera in Santorini. Knossos & Rythmnon fortress and museum in Crete. Visits to historic sights and museums in Chania.
Museums in Athens including the New Acropolis Museum, Parthenon and Acropolis
Happy hour wine tasting in Santorini. Meze and wine tasting in Chania.
Boat excursion to volcano and hot spring in Santorini.
Orientation and history seminars on each island with walking tours of the villages.
Guided trip and transport to Omolos for hike through the Samaria Gorge.
Entrance fees to all museums and historical sites mentioned in itinerary.
Seminars and handouts on Minoan art and religion, Greek mythology and poetry, history, and ancient Greek drama.
Pre-tour handouts.
Not Included: international air, laundry, additional excursions, meals, tips.
Trip costs and fees: $4850.00 The tour cost is based on two persons sharing a double or twin-bedded room with shower, breakfasts and other meals, excursions listed in the itinerary, seminars, services of local and US guides, and all inter-island flights and boat trips.
Passport and Visa: A passport, valid six months from date of entry to Greece. Visa is not required for citizens of the USA, Canada or the EU. No health requirements.
Roommates: Single people may sign up for accommodations desired on a share basis and will be assigned a roommate as circumstances permit. If a roommate is unavailable, the participant will be notified of the adjusted price for a single supplement
Deposit: A $500.00 deposit, check made out to Danu Enterprises, is required to make a booking. Deposit is fully refundable, minus $300.00 cancellation fee until Feb. 1, 2024 when a $500 penalty fee will become attached to all cancellations received in writing. Once air tickets have been issued, cancellation fees will apply. Final payments are due2 months from date of departure, after which all cancellations will be charged a 50% cancellation. There will be no refunds for cancellations made 2 weeks prior to departure. Changes in exchange rate or rise of petrol taxes may affect the tour price. Trip is limited to 16 people with a minimum of 6.
Accommodations: Generally rooms have two single or queen-bed with modern flush toilets, sinks, showers, and hot water. In Chania we stay at a favorite small hotel on a side street in the historic Venetian quarter, near the harbor and town center with full breakfasts and local staff. In Thira we reside in a whitewashed village in a boutique hotel with kitchenettes. In Athens we stay in a modern air conditioned hotel, close to the Plaka and Acropolis. All accommodations are well rated, clean and comfortable. Hotels in Thira and Iraklion have pools.
Food: In recent published reports, the Greek diet was judged to be the healthiest in Europe, with its emphasis on fresh fruits and vegetables, light oils, low-fat dairy products (yogurt and feta cheese), protein rich olives, and light use of meats.
Weather: May is a beautiful month to visit Greece.The days are warm and temperate, cooling slightly in the evenings. The Aegean sea is warm enough to swim and snorkel. wildflowers are still in bloom. Tavernas are welcoming and prices are lower.
Tour Organizer/ Leader: Judy Slattum is a professional tour organizer and Instructor who has been leading study tours to Greece since 1975. The trip will also utilize local guides and guest lecturers, and informal visits with local citizens.
For further information and a detailed itinerary,
contact Danu Enterprises: 1-831-476-0543 or danu@earthlink.net
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